Gina was born on May 15, 1959 in Scarborough, Ontario to Albert and Ethel Hodder. She made Thunder Bay her home at a very young age and lived here ever since. She was an active volunteer in her community, her children’s schools, facilitating youth programs at Vale Community Centre and volunteering at the Vale Bingos. She passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, with family and friends by her side.
Gina was always outgoing and loved having people around her. Her specialty was turning the simplest moments into magnificent events, like birthday parties or a walk to Friendship Gardens turning into a picnic and a scavenger hunt. While planning Sasha’s birthday party in kindergarten, a mix-up with the invitation led her to meeting her “sister”, Sherri Grau and the connection was immediate. Since that day, Gina and her children were adopted into the family, gaining a whole new crew of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends. Gina and Sherri were inseparable.
Gina’s favourite thing to do was going to visit “Grandpa Dad” (as she called Sherri’s father) for a full day of cooking, baking and cleaning. Gina loved the holidays and was always there for every holiday and family gathering. The first to arrive, and the last to leave, the trio of Gina, Sherri and Peter were the ‘behind the scenes’ stars of every event!
Gina was a single mom who wore her heart on her sleeve. Although she did not have a lot, Gina was always willing to share whatever she had, help anyone in need and was always there when anyone needed her. Her children were her pride and joy and everything she did, she did with love, caring and compassion. As life went on, Gina was so proud to welcome her grandchildren to the world and add ‘Fur babies’ to her family. She loved animals so much and would do anything for her pugs, Dixie and Dover.
Gina was an amazing artist and singer. She loved music and knew every lyric to every song, and every artist who sand them. She could make the most amazing pictures on an Etch a Sketch, from flowers to people to animals. She loved when the kids would request that she draw something and in no time at all, their visions would become a reality! She would spend so many hours creating art on the Etch a Sketch and then with one shake, it was on to the next masterpiece! She had so much talent.
Gina made many lifelong friends through the years. She was so sociable, she would make new friends everywhere she went, like Winston Hall, school, Vale Community Centre, volunteer initiatives and even while walking her dog! Gina always left a lasting impression. She was strong-willed and always told it like it was. She was the person you could rely on to share their honest opinion and she would go to the end of the Earth to defend her family and friends and fur babies. Her friend list was long and she loved every one of you. Cathy, Debbie, Christina, Dina, “little” Carol, Steve, Peter, Audra, May, Carol, Kim, the list goes on and on.
Gina met her husband Rick 16 years ago. He was the love of her life and has always been by her side. Through sickness and health he was always there, especially as her primary caregiver over the last 2 years.
Gina is survived by her husband Rick Laplante, her children Shane, Christopher, Sasha (Carl) and her grandchildren Raegan, Cadence, CJ and Calvin. Her parents, Albert and Susan, siblings Geoff, Michelle and Jackie and their families. Also numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gina was predeceased by her mother, grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
A celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 20, 2024 from 2-4 pm at the Unifor Union Hall at 112 Gore St. W. in Thunder Bay, ON.
In lieu of flowers and cards, a GoFundMe page has been set up https://www.gofundme.com/f/gina-hodder to help with the cost of cremation and the celebration of life.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
